ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions publishes detailed Fire Door Guide

Brian Sofley, managing director at ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions, explained to Security Matters: “We understand the pressure the industry feels to deliver services faster than ever and at the lowest price point possible. However, this could potentially lead to specification errors with fire safety products, causing ongoing installation and maintenance issues.”

Sofley continued: “Given that fire doors are one of the most important safety features in a building, the impact that can be realised by errors may be devasting. In some instances, those errors could even lead to the loss of life.”

Further, Sofley observed: “That’s why we’re looking to impart our extensive knowledge on this subject during Fire Door Safety Week 2022, and ultimately help to make buildings safer now and in the future. That desire aligns with the objectives of the Building Safety Act 2022, which we wholeheartedly support.”

Fire compartmentation

As well as providing access around a given property, fire doors are a critical part of the fire compartmentation requirement.

New rules being introduced to the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 contain a requirement for ‘Responsible Persons’ in buildings above 11 metres in height to provide additional safety measures. This includes elements such as providing occupants with fire safety instructions and information on the importance of fire doors.

‘Responsible Persons’ will also be required to undertake annual checks of entrance doors and quarterly checks of all fire doors in common parts.

“Our Fire Door Guide has been created to offer guidance on specifying, installing, maintaining and inspecting fire certified door sets in residential and commercial buildings,” urged Sofley. “We very much hope that it can help in raising industry standards and providing greater awareness.”

End-to-end approach

ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions prides itself on an end-to-end approach and serving as a ‘helping hand’ at every stage of the journey. From fire door specification (using BIM software entitled Openings Studio), right through to installation and ongoing maintenance and inspections, the team members resident within the business are available to assist in every capacity.

As part of its commitment to fire door safety, the Door Group provides a fully comprehensive inspection process, which can be carried out every three, four, six or 12 months to suit specific requirements.

Following inspections, the Door Group offers detailed reports containing advice and recommendations on necessary improvements. Identifying any potential issues that could impact safety and product performance may be life-saving.

If any issues do occur, a tailored repair proposal is issued to include anything from replacement doors through to a regular maintenance programme. Door Group inspectors are Building Research Establishment-certified and will ensure that all fire doors inspected meet all of the necessary standards and regulations.

*To download and read the Fire Door Guide visit https://www.assaabloy.com/uk/en/stories/whitepapers

**For more information on ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions visit the website at www.assabloy.com